Miss Universe Olivia Culpo says Taj Mahal photos weren't her idea

Share this:

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo is facing possible charges in India over a fashion photo shoot at the Taj Mahal in India, but she says the fault doesn’t lay with her. Authorities in India filed a complaint after Culpo posed for several photos, wearing various pairs of shoes, for the Miss Universe organization.

It’s against the law in India to use the Taj Mahal for any sort of publicity or commercial purposes. Miss Universe has already apologized for the shoot, saying the whole thing was a misunderstand and that they meant no offense. Now, Culpo has her own comments. In an interview with the Providence Journal in Rhode Island, Culpo says she wasn’t responsible for the shoot.

“I mean, I’m an employee of the Miss Universe organization and following directions given to me,” she says. “I guess their vision was, ‘What’s better to identify India than the Taj Mahal?’ But unfortunately it’s something that was highly offensive.”

In fact, Culpo says she even voiced her objections to the shoot, adding, “Honestly, I did say out loud at one point, ‘Isn’t this a little inappropriate?'” Olivia claims she was told how to pose and what to wear during the shoot. “It’s upsetting to me that I was a part of that,” she says. “It’s really upsetting because I loved my visit to India, and I would love nothing more than to go back, even in the near future.”

Should charges be filed and Culpo be found guilty, she could face up to two years in jail and a fine of 100,000 rupees, which works out to $1,600.

Share this:

Share this:

Posted by:Chris E. Hayner

Chris E. Hayner is equal parts nerd, crazy person and coffee. He watches too much TV, knows more about pro wrestling than you do and remembers every single show from the TGIF lineup. You may have seen him as a pro-shark protester in "Sharknado 3." His eventual memoir will be called "You're Wrong, Here's Why..." TV words to live by: "I'm a firm believer that sometimes it's right to do the wrong thing."

Watch Better.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch Better.

Get Screener's essential guide to the best TV—and TV writing—delivered to your inbox every week.